Brent FoE members fight the Government deadline

There were mixed emotions this week for two Brent FoE members as the solar feed in tariff (FIT) was cut at short notice by the Government.  The FIT scheme, that subsidises renewable energy projects, was cut in half on  12^th December.  The Government announced this change on 31^st October, giving only six weeks’ notice for people to take advantage of the scheme.  Groups such as Friends of the Earth have issued a legal challenge to this decision.

Brent FoE member, Viv Stein has beaten the deadline and had a 2kW solar PV system installed on her south-facing roof in Dollis Hill last week.  She will now be eligible for the current tariff of 43.3p for each kilowatt hour generated.   This rate will be halved to 21p for similar schemes registered after 12^th December.  Fellow group member Ashley Kay, who has recently moved to a property in Cricklewood, was not so lucky and had to cancel plans as a result of the decision.

Viv Stein, Spokesperson for Brent FoE and Dollis Hill resident says,

I am extremely happy and relieved that my panels are up and my energy company has told me I have registered in time for the higher tariff.   It has been quite an ordeal trying to source panels and arrange installation in time for the Government’s abrupt and short-sighted deadline.

 

I am one of the lucky ones.  But here is real concern in the solar industry, which is one of the few growth industries in the UK, what this will mean for jobs in the future.  The Government decision is crazy - we should be securing our energy supply in the UKand making it easier, not harder, for people to invest in renewable technologies like solar power.”

Ashley Kay, Brent FoE member and Cricklewood resident says,

We were really keen to produce our own renewable energy both for financial and environmental reasons. We had an assessment from the solar panel engineer, and had just received a quote when the Government announced the imminent reduction in the feed-in tariffs.  As a low income household, the huge reduction in the tariff has made the difference between the project being financially viable, and with much regret we had to cancel the project.  I really think the Government should be supporting households to make green choices, as this would not only encourage the necessary move towards sustainability, but would also provide a much needed boost to the economy.”

Friends of the Earth has issued a legal challenge to the Government over their quick decision on the solar subsidies.  They cite that this cut-off point, two weeks before the consultation ends, is unlawful and will lead to unfinished or planned projects being abandoned - and thousands of jobs put at risk. FoE  believes there should be a proper consultation period of 12 weeks, and that it's unfair for the cut-off date to be 12th December, before the end of the current consultation.